A ‘new' social network

MOVE over Facebook.

The Lockyer Valley Radio and Electronics Club took part in the worldwide celebration of 100 years of amateur radio and telecommunications at the weekend.

If it wasn't for many of the pioneers of these technologies, we may not have television, microwaves, satellites or mobile phones today.

The event was held in Laidley as part of the organisation's tribute to a century of telecommunications with the Australian Wireless Institute and they communicated with others via high frequency transmissions.

Club treasurer, Allan Shannon, said it is the oldest form of social networking in the world.

“The best thing about it is there are no viruses as with computers,” Mr Shannon said.

“It takes a fair degree of skill to communicate and be a radio operator, including getting the right frequency, type of antenna, time of day and a few other variables.

“The first television signal was sent by amateur operators in 1934 from Spring Hill to Ipswich.”

He said amateurs are responsible for a lot of technology and many people go on to other industries.

Mr Shannon has been passionately involved in the hobby since 1984 and was originally a signals operator in the Air Force.

“Some people just get into it because it interests them and it attracts all walks of life - it is great for kids or retirees,” he said.

Over the weekend, the club had contacted more than 320 other operators around the world in countries such as Japan, Russia, China, Germany and the United Kingdom.

About 15 years ago, digital equipment started infiltrating the ranks of amateur radio around the world.

Other projects of the club include general electronics, making TV equipment and transmitters.

“Another of our hobbies is radio foxhunting, where we find a hidden beacon using handheld radios and antennae,” Mr Shannon said.

He said new members and families are welcome to join and the youngest amateur operator is seven years old.

“The oldest member we know of is 90 years old.”

The club also has a unique call signal for other amateur radio operators to tune in to: vk100wia.

There are more than 10 clubs in south-east Queensland.